SAILING

IT was a case of he who makes the fewest mistakes wins at North Devon Yacht Club.

With 15 sailors relishing near perfect conditions, Sam Heaton held it together while others failed on Saturday.

Barry Vincent took the initiative at the start of the race, only to take an early bath, handing the lead to Keith Heason.

But Heason, who led to Inner Pulleys, stalled with a poorly executed tack to give Heaton the advantage. He returned in first place, with Heason a close second and Dave Warren sailing steadily for third.

Force 3 to 4 winds encouraged fierce racing again on Sunday, although a sudden lull seconds from the start turned the early stage into a lottery. Heason made it across the start line first and never looked back.

Vincent, desperately trying to close the gap, was runner-up, while fleet captain Anthony Grey claimed third, pipping Pat Smith on the line.

Last week, veteran Smith romped home in first place, leaving all others in his wake.

Sailors thanked the race officers for setting varied and interesting courses.